The hospitality industry thrives on passion, professionalism, and consistency. Each year, the Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence recognise the people and businesses who set the standard across Australia’s restaurants, cafés, and catering operations.
For over 30 years, the program has provided a national platform to benchmark achievements, highlight quality, and acknowledge the hard work that goes into creating memorable dining and catering experiences. The awards are highly respected because they represent independent assessment, industry participation, and peer recognition.
The 2025 program has been historic. Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) has received the highest number of nominations ever recorded in the history of the awards. The majority of state and territory events sold out, with waiting lists activated to meet demand. This response underlines the value operators place on recognition and the pride that comes with being named among the best in the industry.
“2025 has been an extraordinary year for the Awards for Excellence. Record nominations across every state and territory, sold-out events nationwide, and the calibre of finalists reflect just how strong and resilient our hospitality industry is,” said R&CA CEO Suresh Manickam. “Every finalist should take pride in being acknowledged among Australia’s best.”
A defining feature of the program is the recognition of Gold, Silver, and Bronze award recipients at the National Awards. This structure reflects the strength of the industry and ensures excellence across all categories is acknowledged.
Categories span the breadth of Australian hospitality:
Cuisine-specific awards, from Asian, Italian, Japanese, Indian, Greek, and Vietnamese to seafood, steak, pizza, and specialty dining.
Venue-based awards, including breakfast restaurants, cafés, family dining, pubs, clubs, and wineries.
Catering awards across corporate, airline lounges, weddings, aged care, industrial, education, events, and venues.
This breadth ensures that businesses large and small, regional and metropolitan, are recognised for the quality and professionalism they bring to the industry.
Following months of state and territory celebrations, the program now reaches its finale. The National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner will be held on Monday, 27 October 2025, at Doltone House in Sydney.
Finalists from across the country will come together for the ultimate evening of recognition, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards presented across 32 categories, alongside the prestigious Major Awards: Restaurant of the Year, Caterer of the Year, and Casual Dining of the Year.
With such a successful year, R&CA acknowledges the industry, our partners, and our team for creating these memorable nights of recognition. The Awards are made possible with the support of Hostplus as principal partner, along with a strong network of sponsors.
The 2025 Hostplus National Awards for Excellence will showcase the resilience, innovation, and commitment of hospitality businesses across Australia. With record nominations, sold-out events, and a full house expected at Doltone House, this year’s program showcases just how deeply excellence permeates the sector.
The 2025 Awards for Excellence are made possible with the support of our program partners and sponsors. R&CA acknowledges Hostplus as principal partner, together with American Express, Uber Eats, Gallagher, OnTheMonee, Alsco Uniforms, Bidfood Australia, Bulla, Coopers, Entertainment, OneMusic Australia, Menulog, Doltone House, Dandelion Vineyards & Vista Print. Their commitment helps us recognise excellence and celebrate the people and businesses that bring Australia’s hospitality industry to life.